Part of our philosophy is that all our patients should be well educated about the dental health of their mouth and the procedures which we offer to give them a healthier, whiter smile. To help accomplish this, we have selected CAESY, a Multi-media Patient Education System. Our computers in the operatories enable you to see the latest in dental technology and can show a more detailed description of conditions which you may have and a more in depth presentation about the procedures we can provide. We can also give you printed material of the presentations which you may take home.
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LASER TECHNOLOGY
Many changes in dental products are simply improvements on existing methods while other changes are revolutionary. Two examples of this are digital radiography and diode lasers. For almost 100 years, we essentially used the same method to capture an x-ray image: film radiography. With the introduction of digital radiography sensors, everything about radiography has changed. Lasers represent a similar revolutionary leap. LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. While lasers have been used routinely in the medical field (eye care, plastic surgery, ENT and gynecological surgery), its use is relatively new in dentistry. The diode laser represents the latest advance in laser technology. Lasers create a clear, dry field with no bleeding, decrease the possibility of infection, create less trauma to the area, show less post-operative swelling and scarring, create minimal post-operative pain and are extremely precise. Using the laser can many times be done with little or no anesthesia and the healing is much more rapid and successful because the bacteria and viruses present are eliminated in the procedure.
Uses for the Diode Laser
1. Laser Troughing: Used around teeth being prepared for crowns to get better impressions than older procedures like the use of retraction cord and electrosurgery.
2. To remove small amounts of tissue around cavities that go under the gum which can be done relatively painlessly and with little or no bleeding.
3. Can be safely used around implants to remove extra tissue with very little trauma to the tissue or bone.
4. Used for gingivectomies to recontour tissue and to remove excess tissue.
5. To help heal apthous ulcers, canker sores and recurrent herpes infections.
6. Can easily be used to help release the muscle attachments (frenum) so they don't pull on other areas.
7. Used for biopsies.
8. Used in periodontal therapy - killing the bacteria around the teeth (sulcular decontamination) to give healthier gums and for gingival curettage to go along with scaling and root planing to remove diseased tissue.
9. Used to desensitize teeth.
We are pleased to be able to add this new technology to our office. Patient acceptance of the laser has been overwhelmingly positive. While the average patient may not fully understand how a laser works, the general perception is that lasers are quick, safe, easy and painless.
Digital X Rays
Our office is on the cutting edge of technology and we now have an exciting new technology called digital radiography, which allows us to capture x-ray images of your mouth and teeth. We do this by exposing a small sensor that feeds the image into our computer.
Digital radiography has many advantages over traditional dental x-rays.
1. Taking x-rays is now faster because the sensor is merely moved from tooth to tooth, and your x-ray can be seen by the Doctor and patient on a computer monitor just moments after exposure.
2. There is no waiting for chemical development as in the past and the lack of chemicals makes digital x-rays safer for the environment, too. Another way our office is "going green".
3. Because the unit is so sensitive, it uses less radiation - up to 80 - 90% less than with conventional x-rays. This is important for all our patients but especially for those patients who may have concerns with additional radiation.
4. Digital x-ray technology enables us to make adjustments and see details in the x-ray images and enable more efficient diagnosis and treatment because it provides a large, easy to see image. Our Doctors can easily share the x-ray with the patient- you will see exactly what we see on a computer monitor for you.
5. The digital x-rays then become part of your dental record and can be easily sent to specialists and insurance companies.
Digital radiography is an advanced technology that speeds treatment and helps us to make the most accurate and efficient diagnosis of your dental condition. We are pleased to be able to provide this advanced technology for our patients.
ViziLite, a Life Saving New Technology
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is caught early. That is why the ViziLite exam has been developed and why we are offering it here in our office. ViziLite uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in other areas of the body. A ViziLite exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer. Those risk factors include but are not limited to tobacco use, alcoholic beverage consumption, chronic cheek biting and advanced age.
The ViziLite exam at your cleaning and exam can help us identify abnormal tissue that might develop into oral cancer. It provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. There is an additional charge for this exam and it is not currently covered by insurance but . . . the ViziLite exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life . . . well worth the cost.
If you consent to the simple procedure, the ViziLite is performed during your regular cleaning appointment.
First, you will be instructed to rinse with a cleansing solution.
Next, the overhead lighting will be dimmed.
Then, we will examine your mouth using ViziLite Plus, a specially designed light technology.
You can learn more about oral cancer and ViziLite by going to vizilite.com
INFECTION CONTROL is of the upmost importance to our patients, our doctors and our staff. Our office adheres to the highest professional standards in this area and is in full compliance with state and local guidelines. The water supply to our dental units is all filtered in our own office and the lines are flushed before and after each patient visit. In addition, there are backflow valves that prevent any bacteria or viruses that we may come in contact with from returning to the general water supply. All our instruments and handpieces are either autoclaved, disposable, or have barrier protection. Disposable surface coverings are routinely used where applicable to prevent cross- contamination and surfaces, counters, chairs, etc. are sprayed with anti-bacterial and anti-viral disinfectants between each patient. All medical wastes and sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.) are segregated from normal trash and disposed of according to EPA standards. All amalgam waste from old fillings is filtered out from the suction system and it along with the lead from x-ray films and developing solutions are sent to OSHA certified recycling centers. Our clinical staff members regularly take classes in infection control, and are certified in CPR and First Aid techniques.
Treatment Planning After a thorough dental, periodontal, and oral cancer screening, which includes necessary x-rays, we will review our findings with you and together work to establish an ideal treatment plan which will best suit your dental needs. We will make every attempt to give you estimates on both time needed and costs involved in completing your treatment plan. We encourage you to ask questions so we may better serve you.
Comprehensive Care We provide a full range of cosmetic, restorative and preventive services. Some of the services we provide are: bleaching, bonding, veneers, all-porcelain crowns, tooth colored fillings, non-surgical periodontal procedures, crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, periodic exams which inlcude oral cancer screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and treatments for TMJ disorders. In addition, we maintain a close cooperative relationship with specialists for root canals, oral surgery, periodontics, pediatrics, and orthodontic services to help provide you with total oral care.
We strongly encourage our patients to establish and maintain a regular preventive care program with your hygienist and doctor. These appointments are designed to prevent early dental problems from becoming larger or more involved, and make sure you achieve optimal dental and periodontal health.
A GUIDE TO WHITER, BRIGHTER TEETH
How to get whiter, brighter teeth is the most asked about dental procedure. This is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. There are many causes of tooth discoloration. The most common include aging, consuming of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma, nerve degeneration, and old restorations.
IS WHITENING SAFE?
YES! In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. Some people may experience sensitivity to cold or a tingling sensation in their teeth for a short period of time after bleaching.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM WHITENING?
Almost anyone. The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, may take longer to respond to treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth, the number of applications, or the duration of time the system is used.
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ZOOM 2! is a revolutionary in-office system that uses a uniquely formulated whitening gel which is activated by a specially designed light. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter which makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual or anyone looking for immediate results.
This is a take home whitening system that use custom made trays. DAY WHITE is a new breakthrough technology which allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively in only one or two applications a day. Ideal results generally occur when the process is continued for 10 to 14 days. Faster results may be obtained with more frequent application and/or longer wear periods.
ZOOM WEEKENDER
This is our newest whitening system. In just 3 days, you can have whiter, brighter teeth with this take home procedure which costs about the same as DAY WHITE.
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Emergency Care We understand that emergency dental problems may arise at any time. We provide emergency services to patients in our practice. If you are one of our patients and you have an emergency during regular office hours, call the office first so that we can set up a time to best accommodate you. If you have an emergency when the office is closed, call the regular office telephone number, and it will give you instructions on how to reach the doctor on call.